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William B. Davidson

William B. Davidson

1888 – 1947·Dobbs Ferry, New York, USA

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William B. Davidson (June 16, 1888 – September 28, 1947) was an American film actor.

Davidson attended Columbia University where he played football. He became a popular football star. This fame eventually led to his foray into motion pictures after he had spent some time as a lawyer. He started in films in 1914 with Vitagraph and supported well known stage and film actresses such as Ethel Barrymore, Mabel Taliaferro, Charlotte Walker, Olga Petrova, Viola Dana, June Caprice, Edna Goodrich, and Mae West. He appeared in 318 films between 1915 and 1949.

He was born in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and died in Santa Monica, California. His first Hollywood film was For the Honor of the Crew. Afterward, he appeared in many films, his best-known role was perhaps the Ship's captain in The Most Dangerous Game. He remained in show business until his sudden death after surgery in 1947.

Filmography

A Gentleman of Paris

A Gentleman of Paris

1927Henri Dufour
Cradle Snatchers

Cradle Snatchers

1927Roy Ladd
Hell's Angels

Hell's Angels

1930Staff Major
Dishonored

Dishonored

1931
The Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom

1932Chess Player
Easy Living

Easy Living

1937Mr. Hyde
Something to Sing About

Something to Sing About

1937Mr. Richards (as William Davidson)
They Made Me a Criminal

They Made Me a Criminal

1939Ennis